Donate, coordinate and educate Donar, coordinar y educar

Donate, coordinate and educate

Youth blood drive coordinators needed Dec. 15 through Jan. 15

This winter, high school and college students can help save lives and be eligible to win a scholarship of up to $2,500 by hosting an American Red Cross blood drive. Registration is now open through Nov. 15 to host drives between Dec. 15, 2015, and Jan. 15, 2016.

“Winter is a difficult time to collect enough blood to meet patient needs with inclement weather and seasonal illnesses reducing the number of volunteer donors,” said Red Cross spokesperson Colin Riccobon. “Our Leaders Save Lives program gives students an opportunity to learn valuable leadership skills and help ensure blood is available for patients in need.”

The Leaders Save Lives program encourages community-minded high school and college students to host blood drives to help maintain the blood supply around the winter holidays. Blood donations made at high school, university and college blood drives account for as much as 20 percent of blood donations through the Red Cross. Around the winter holidays, when school is not in session, blood donations often decline.

Students who host a drive can be eligible to win a scholarship up to $2,500 for higher education and earn a gift card. A total of six scholarships will be awarded to students who host a blood drive collecting 25 blood donations or more. All students who collect at least 25 pints at their blood drive will receive a gift card to giftcertificates.com.‎

Download the American Red Cross Blood Donor App, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED CROSS (800.733.2767) to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental consent in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements